Click pen applicator device and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A click pen applicator device that provides predetermined dosing of the formulation for precise application, and rapidly primes the formulation using the dosing click mechanism to prepare the applicator for use is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorityfrom the prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/415,522, filedon Nov. 19, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a click pen applicator device, and amethod of using the click pen applicator device.

BACKGROUND

Existing pen applicators generally utilize a twist function fordispensing a formulation from the pen applicator. These twist penapplicators generally include a rotating portion that is twisted orrotated relative to the remaining portion of the applicator, therebyadvancing a formulation contained within the twist pen applicator.However, such twist pen applicators do not provide a predetermined doseof the formulation since the rotating portion is generally freelyrotatable. Accordingly, a user is required to make a determination as tothe appropriate amount of the formulation to dispense for a particularapplication. In addition, twist pen applicators may suffer from sealingproblems. Further, such twist pen applicators generally require asubstantial number of rotations of the rotating portion before the twistpen applicator is primed and ready to dispense the formulation.

Click pen applicators generally include an actuating portion that ispressed, or clicked, relative to the remaining portion of theapplicator, thereby advancing a formulation contained within the clickpen applicator. Further, such click pen applicators are conventionallyknown to have sealing problems that may render them less desirable thantwist pen applicators, especially for formulations that may requirebetter sealing, such as those that may tend to evaporate or experienceweight loss over time. Further, click pen applicators also generallyrequire a substantial number of clicks of the actuating portion beforethe click pen applicator is primed and ready to dispense theformulation. A prior art click pen 170 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and18.

Thus, existing pen applicators share the common problems of inadequatesealing, uncontrolled delivery of the formulation, and excessive numberof actuations before the applicator is primed and ready for use. Forexample, inadequate sealing may result in the formulation's evaporatingwhile the applicator is merely in storage between uses. In addition,uncontrolled delivery may result in a user's applying too much or toolittle of the formulation for the particular application, potentiallyhaving harmful or ineffective results. Further, excessive number ofactuations for priming may lead to a user's believing that theapplicator is broken, non-functional, empty, dried up, or otherwiseunusable, when the applicator is in fact functional but not yet fullyprimed for use.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for an applicator that improves sealing ofthe formulation to reduce evaporation and/or weight loss, providespredetermined dosing of the formulation for precise application, andrapidly primes the formulation to prepare the applicator for immediateuse.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a device fordispensing a formulation comprises a centerband having a proximal endand a distal end and defining a storage section having the formulationdisposed within; an applicator section situated at the distal end of thecenterband; and a multistage actuator section situated at the proximalend of the centerband for rapid priming with a click dispensingmechanism with a piston seat having two sets of external threads on ashaft with an unthreaded length therebetween.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, themultistage actuator section comprises a spiral having internal threadsconfigured to engage with the external threads of the piston seat; and apriming spring operatively engaged between the piston seat and thespiral.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the two setsof external threads of the piston seat have a same pitch.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a first setof the two sets of external threads includes a length shorter than thatof a second set of the two sets of external threads.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a pitch of asecond set of the two sets of external threads is configured to dispensea discrete dose with each dispensing actuation.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primingspring is configured to expand over the unthreaded length of the pistonseat when the internal threads of the spiral do not engage the externalthreads of the piston seat.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, themultistage actuator section further comprises a cup attached to a distalend of the piston seat; a seal between the cup and the proximal end ofthe centerband; a gear operatively engaged with the shaft of the pistonseat; a click spring operatively disposed between the gear and thespiral; and a spiral sleeve and a push button operatively engaged withthe gear, the push button having a locking element.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theapplicator section comprises a passing seat attached to the distal endof the centerband; a seal between the passing seat and the distal end ofthe centerband; an orifice reducer situated inside the passing seat; anose attached to a distal end of the passing seat; and a cap attached tothe distal end of the centerband.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the capincludes a pintel configured to seal at least one of the nose and thepassing seat of the applicator section.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sealbetween the cup and the proximal end of the centerband is an o-ring, andthe seal between the passing seat and the distal end of the centerbandis an o-ring.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theformulation comprises salicylic acid.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, amethod of priming and dosing a formulation using a click pen dispensingdevice comprises priming the formulation at a priming rate using a clickactuator with a piston seat having two sets of external threads on ashaft with an unthreaded length therebetween; and dosing the formulationat a dosing rate different from the priming rate using the clickactuator.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, theclick actuator is actuated using one hand.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the clickactuator includes a locking element for preventing the priming and thedosing.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theformulation comprises salicylic acid.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primingstep includes at least one fine priming rate and a gross priming rate.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the dosingstep dispenses a predetermined dose of the formulation, and the primingstep dispenses a predetermined priming dose of the formulation.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, amethod of dispensing a formulation, using a device comprising acenterband having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a storagesection having a distal end and a proximal end and having theformulation disposed within, an applicator section situated at thedistal end of the centerband, and a multistage actuator section situatedat the proximal end of the centerband, comprises priming the device bypriming actuations of the multistage actuator section with a piston seathaving two sets of external threads on a shaft with an unthreaded lengththerebetween, the priming step comprising a gross priming actuationdisplacing a volume greater than that of a predetermined dose;dispensing the predetermined dose of the formulation, via the applicatorsection, by subsequent dispensing actuations of the multistage actuatorsection; and applying the predetermined dose via the applicator section.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primingstep comprises at least one fine priming actuation displacing a volumeless than that of the gross priming actuation.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primingstep comprises at least one fine priming actuation displacing a volumeequal to that of the predetermined dose.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, thedetailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of an assembled click pen applicator device according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 1B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of an assembled click pen applicator device according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 1G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1F.

FIG. 1H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 1G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1F.

FIG. 1I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1F.

FIG. 1J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 1F.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a centerband according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 2B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of a centerband according to the present invention.

FIG. 2G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2F.

FIG. 2H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 2G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2F.

FIG. 2I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2F.

FIG. 2J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 2F.

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a passing seat according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 3B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of a passing seat according to the present invention.

FIG. 3G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3F.

FIG. 3H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 3G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3F.

FIG. 3I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3F.

FIG. 3J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 3F.

FIG. 3K illustrates a schematic side view of yet another exemplaryembodiment of a passing seat according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a sealing element according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of an orifice reducer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 5B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of an orifice reducer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5F.

FIG. 5H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 5G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5F.

FIG. 5I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5F.

FIG. 5J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 5F.

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a nose according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 6B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of a nose according to the present invention.

FIG. 6G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6F.

FIG. 6H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 6G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6F.

FIG. 6J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6K illustrates a schematic perspective view of yet anotherexemplary embodiment of a nose according to the present invention.

FIG. 6L illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6K.

FIG. 6M illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 6L of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6K.

FIG. 6N illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6K.

FIG. 6O illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 6K.

FIG. 6P illustrates a schematic perspective view of yet anotherexemplary embodiment of a nose according to the present invention.

FIG. 6Q illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6P.

FIG. 6R illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 6Q of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6P.

FIG. 6S illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6P.

FIG. 6T illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 6P.

FIG. 6U illustrates a schematic perspective view of yet anotherexemplary embodiment of a nose according to the present invention.

FIG. 6V illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6U.

FIG. 6W illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 6V of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6U.

FIG. 6X illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6U.

FIG. 6Y illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 6U.

FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 7B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F illustrates a schematic perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of a cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 7G illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 7F.

FIG. 7H illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 7G of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7F.

FIG. 7I illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 7F.

FIG. 7J illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 7F.

FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a piston seat according to the present invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 8B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a cup according to the present invention.

FIG. 9B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 9B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 9E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a spiral according to the present invention.

FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 10B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 10E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a priming spring according to the present invention.

FIG. 11B illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a gear according to the present invention.

FIG. 12B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 12B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 12A.

FIG. 12E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a click spring according to the present invention.

FIG. 13B illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a spiral sleeve according to the present invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 14B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 14A.

FIG. 14E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a push button according to the present invention.

FIG. 15B illustrates a schematic side view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 15B of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D illustrates a schematic top view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 15A.

FIG. 15E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic perspective, exploded view of anexemplary embodiment of a click pen applicator device according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 17A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a prior art clickpen applicator device.

FIG. 17B illustrates a schematic side view of the prior art click penapplicator device of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A shown in FIG. 17B of the prior art click pen applicator device ofFIG. 17A.

FIG. 17D illustrates a schematic top view of the prior art click penapplicator device of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the prior art click penapplicator device of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic perspective, exploded view of a priorart click pen applicator device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A to 1E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an assembled clickpen applicator device 10 according to the present invention. FIGS. 1F to1J illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an assembled click penapplicator device 10′ according to the present invention. Similarfeatures among the exemplary embodiments are illustrated with likereference numerals.

The device 10, 10′ may include three sections: an applicator section 11at a distal end, a storage section 12 in a middle section, and amultistage actuator section 13 at a proximal end. The applicator section11 may include a passing seat 30, 30′, 30″, a sealing element 40, anorifice reducer 50, 50′, a nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″, and a cap 70,70′, the applicator section 11 configured to connect to a distal end ofa centerband 20, 20′. The storage section 12 may be defined by a middlesection of the centerband 20, 20′. The multistage actuator section 13may include a piston seat 80, a cup 90, a sealing element 40, a spiral100, a priming spring 110, a gear 120, a click spring 130, a spiralsleeve 140, and a push button 150, the multistage actuator section 13configured to connect to a proximal end of the centerband 20, 20′. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1E, the cap 70 may be a push-oncap, whereas in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1F to 1J, the cap 70′may be a screw-on cap. Further, the distal end of centerband 20, 20′ ofdevice 10, 10′ may increase in diameter to match the diameter of theproximal end of the cap 70, 70′.

FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a centerband 20defining a storage section 12 in the middle section of the device 10according to the present invention. FIGS. 2F to 2J illustrate anotherexemplary embodiment of a centerband 20′ defining a storage section 12in the middle section of the device 10′ according to the presentinvention. The applicator section 11 is configured to connect to adistal end 21 of a centerband 20, 20′, and the multistage actuatorsection 13 configured to connect to a proximal end 22 of the centerband20, 20′. Similar features among the exemplary embodiments areillustrated with like reference numerals.

The centerband 20, 20′ defining the storage section 12 of the device 10,10′ may include a distal end 21 and a proximal end 22. The centerband20, 20′ may be in the shape of an elongate tube, pipe, barrel, or othersimilar shape defining a storage chamber 26 in its middle sectionconfigured to store and dispense a formulation. The distal end 21 of thecenterband 20, 20′ may include internal grooves 24 configured tointerface with components of the applicator section 11. For example, theinternal grooves 24 may interface with a passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ ofthe applicator section 11. In addition, the proximal end 22 of thecenterband 20, 20′ may include internal grooves 25 configured tointerface with components of the multistage actuator section 13. Forexample, the internal grooves 25 may interface with a spiral sleeve 140of the multistage actuator section 13. Alternatively, the centerband 20,20′ may include threads instead of external ribs 23, internal grooves24, and/or internal grooves 25 for attachment to each of the applicatorsection 11 and the multistage actuator section 13.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A to 2E, the distal end 21 of thecenterband 20 may include external ribs 23 configured to interface withcomponents of the applicator section 11. For example, the external ribs23 may interface with a cap 70 of the applicator section 11, the cap 70being a push-on cap. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2F to 2J, thedistal end 21 of the centerband 20′ may include a flared outer surface27 configured to abut against a proximal end of the cap 70, 70′, whichcap 70, 70′ may be engaged or threaded to the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″.

The centerband 20, 20′ may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, andother suitable materials. Preferably, the centerband 20, 20′ is made ofpolypropylene. In addition, the materials may be chosen based on theparticular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as wellas the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, thecenterband 20, 20′ may be manufactured by injection molding, or othersuitable processes. Preferably, the centerband 20, 20′ is manufacturedby injection molding.

FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a passing seat 30in an applicator section 11 of the device 10 according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 3F to 3J illustrate another exemplary embodiment of apassing seat 30′ in an applicator section 11 of the device 10′ accordingto the present invention. FIG. 3K illustrates yet another exemplaryembodiment of a passing seat 30″ according to the present invention.Similar features among the exemplary embodiments are illustrated withlike reference numerals.

The passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ in the applicator section 11 of the device10, 10′ may include a distal end 31 and a proximal end 32. The passingseat 30, 30′, 30″ may include a central passage 33 over its entirelength, which central passage 33 may be in communication with thestorage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′. The distal end 31 of thepassing seat 30, 30′ may include an angled end face 34. However, otherend faces may also be possible, such as flat, curved, rounded, convex,concave, and others. For example, FIG. 3K shows a passing seat 30″having a flat end face 34. The proximal end 32 of the passing seat 30,30′, 30″ may include external ribs 35 configured to interface with thedistal end 21 of the centerband 20, 20′. For example, the external ribs35 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ may interface with the internalgrooves 24 of the centerband 20, 20′. Alternatively, the passing seat30, 30′, 30″ may include threads instead of external ribs 35 forattachment to the centerband 20, 20′. In addition, the proximal end 32of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ may include an annular groove 36configured to receive a sealing element of the applicator section 11.For example, the annular groove 36 may receive a sealing element 40 thatmay seal the interface between the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ of theapplicator section 11 and the distal end 21 of the centerband 20, 20′.Further, the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ may include an annular flange 37configured to interface with a nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ of theapplicator section 11. Alternatively, the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ mayinclude threads instead of the annular flange 37 for attachment to thenose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ of the applicator section 11.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3F to 3J, the passing seat 30′ mayalso include threads 38 between the annular groove 36 and the annularflange 37 configured to engage with a threaded cap 70′.

The passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ may be made of polypropylene,polyethylene, and other suitable materials. Preferably, the passing seat30, 30′, 30″ is made of polypropylene. In addition, the materials may bechosen based on the particular application and requirements of thedevice 10, 10′, as well as the particular formulation that is to bedispensed. Further, the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ may be manufactured byinjection molding, or other suitable processes. Preferably, the passingseat 30, 30′, 30″ is manufactured by injection molding.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sealing element40 in an applicator section 11 of the device 10, 10′ according to thepresent invention.

The sealing element 40 in the applicator section 11 of the device 10,10′ may include a circular o-ring configured and sized to fit within theannular groove 36 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. The sealing element40 may seal the interface between the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ and thecenterband 20, 20′.

The sealing element 40 may be made of rubber, thermoplastic rubber,silicone, and other suitable materials. Preferably, the sealing element40 is made of rubber. In addition, the materials may be chosen based onthe particular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, aswell as the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, thesealing element 40 may be manufactured by injection molding, compressionmolding, or other suitable processes. Preferably, the sealing element 40is manufactured by compression molding.

FIGS. 5A to 5E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an orifice reducer50 in an applicator section 11 of the device 10 according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 5F to 5J illustrate another exemplary embodiment of anorifice reducer 50′ in an applicator section 11 of the device 10′according to the present invention. Similar features among the exemplaryembodiments are illustrated with like reference numerals.

The orifice reducer 50, 50′ in the applicator section 11 of the device10, 10′ may include a distal end 51 and a proximal end 52. The orificereducer 50, 50′ may include a central passage 53 over its entire length,which central passage 53 may be in communication with the centralpassage 33 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ and also with the storagechamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′. The external shape of the orificereducer 50, 50′ may be configured to fit within the central passage 33of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″, thereby taking up at least part of thevolume of the central passage 33 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. Inaddition, the orifice reducer 50, 50′ may include external ribs 54configured to secure the orifice reducer 50, 50′ within the centralpassage 33 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. Alternatively, the orificereducer 50, 50′ may include threads instead of external ribs 54 forattachment to the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. Further, in an alternativeembodiment, the orifice reducer 50, 50′ and the passing seat 30, 30′,30″ may be manufactured as a single integral part, thereby potentiallyresulting in cost and time savings due to the elimination of both a partand an assembly step.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5F to 5J, the orifice reducer 50′may be configured to fit within the central passage 33 of the passingseat 30′ of FIGS. 3F to 3J, which passing seat 30′ is configured toreceive a threaded cap 70′ on threads 38.

The orifice reducer 50, 50′ may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene,and other suitable materials. Preferably, the orifice reducer 50, 50′ ismade of polypropylene. In addition, the materials may be chosen based onthe particular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, aswell as the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, theorifice reducer 50, 50′ may be manufactured by injection molding, orother suitable processes. Preferably, the orifice reducer 50, 50′ ismanufactured by injection molding.

FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a nose 60 in anapplicator section 11 of the device 10, 10′ according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 6F to 6J, 6K to 6O, 6P to 6T, and 6U to 6Y illustratealternative exemplary embodiments of a nose 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ in anapplicator section 11 of the device 10, 10′ according to the presentinvention. Similar features among the exemplary embodiments areillustrated with like reference numerals.

The nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ in the applicator section 11 of thedevice 10, 10′ may include a distal end 61 and a proximal end 62. Thenose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may include a central passage 63 over itsentire length. The proximal end 62 of the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″may be configured to receive the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ in thecentral passage 63. For example, the central passage 63 may include anannular groove 64 configured to interface with the annular flange 37 ofthe passing seat 30, 30′, 30″, thereby securing the nose 60, 60′, 60″,60′″, 60″″ to the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. Alternatively, the nose 60,60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may include threads instead of the annular groove64 for attachment to the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. The distal end 61 ofthe nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may include an orifice 65, whichorifice 65 may be in communication with the central passage 33 of thepassing seat 30, 30′, 30″, with the central passage 53 of the orificereducer 50, 50′, and also with the storage chamber 26 of the centerband20, 20′. The orifice 65 may be sized to dispense a formulation forapplication by a user. In addition, the distal end 61 of the nose 60,60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may include brushes 66 to facilitate applicationand/or spreading of the formulation by a user.

The nose 60 as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E includes a shape that taperstowards the distal end 61 of the nose 60. Other shapes of the nose 60may be possible. For example, FIGS. 6F to 6J, 6K to 6O, 6P to 6T, and 6Uto 6Y illustrate alternative exemplary embodiments of a nose 60′, 60″,60′″, 60″″ in an applicator section 11 of the device 10, 10′, in whichthe nose 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may include a stepped cylindrical shape, acylindrical shape, or a tapered and stepped cylindrical shape.Additionally, other shapes may be possible. Further, alternativeexemplary embodiments may include different end faces, such as angled,flat, curved, rounded, convex, concave, and others, end faces with orwithout brushes 66, and/or end faces including antimicrobial additivesor substances, and alternative exemplary embodiments may be configuredto receive passing seats 30, 30′, 30″ having variously shaped end faces34, as described above. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, the nose60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ and the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″, and possiblythe orifice reducer 50, 50′, may be manufactured as a single integralpart, thereby potentially resulting in cost and time savings due to theelimination of both a part and an assembly step.

The nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may be made of polyethylene, rubber,thermoplastic rubber, silicone, and other suitable materials.Preferably, the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ is made of rubber. Inaddition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the nose 60,60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ may be manufactured by injection molding,compression molding, or other suitable processes. Preferably, the nose60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ is manufactured by compression molding.

FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cap 70 in anapplicator section 11 of the device 10 according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 7F to 7J illustrate another exemplary embodiment of acap 70′ in an applicator section 11 of the device 10′ according to thepresent invention. Similar features among the exemplary embodiments areillustrated with like reference numerals.

The cap 70, 70′ in the applicator section 11 of the device 10, 10′ mayinclude a distal end 71 and a proximal end 72. The cap 70, 70′ may besized to fit over the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ and nose 60, 60′, 60″,60′″, 60″″ of the applicator section 11. The distal end 71 of the cap70, 70′ may include a pintel 74 configured to seal the orifice 65 of thenose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″. For example, the pintel 74 of the cap 70,70′ may be sized to fit snugly within and extend for a short distanceinto the orifice 65 of the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″, therebysealing the orifice 65 when the device 10, 10′ is not in use. Moreover,the cap 70, 70′ may also include a tamper-resistant feature, not shown,to indicate whether a product has been previously used. The cap 70, 70′may also include features on its external surface to facilitategrasping, pulling, pushing, twisting, or otherwise manipulating the cap70, 70′, such as, for example, ribs, grooves, indentations, grippingpads or surfaces, rubberized portions, and other similar features.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7A to 7E, the proximal end 72 ofthe cap 70 may include internal grooves 73 configured to interface withthe distal end 21 of the centerband 20 of the device 10. For example,the internal grooves 73 of the cap 70 may interface with the externalribs 23 of the centerband 20 of FIGS. 2A to 2E, thereby protecting theapplicator section 11, in particular, the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″and brushes 66, when not in use. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7Fto 7J, the proximal end 72 of the cap 70′ may include threads 75,instead of internal grooves 73, configured to interface with threads 38of the passing seat 30′ of FIGS. 3F to 3J, thereby protecting theapplicator section 11, in particular, the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″and brushes 66, when not in use.

The cap 70, 70′ may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, styrene acrylonitrile, and othersuitable materials. Preferably, the cap 70, 70′ is made ofpolypropylene. In addition, the materials may be chosen based on theparticular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as wellas the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the cap70, 70′ may be manufactured by injection molding, or other suitableprocesses. Preferably, the cap 70, 70′ is manufactured by injectionmolding.

FIGS. 8A to 8E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a piston seat 80 ina multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ according to thepresent invention.

The piston seat 80 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device10, 10′ may include a distal end 81 and a proximal end 82. The pistonseat 80 may include a shaft 83 having at least one thread 84, and asupport member 85 at the distal end 81 of the shaft 83. The supportmember 85 at the distal end 81 may include an external rib 86 and apiston seat flange 87 configured to receive a cup that contacts theformulation to be dispensed. For example, the external rib 86 and thepiston seat flange 87 may interface with a cup 90 that supports andadvances the formulation. The shaft 83 may include a priming threadedportion 84 a at the distal end 81 of the piston seat 80 adjacent to thesupport member 85, an unthreaded portion 88 proximal to the primingthreaded portion 84 a, and a dosing threaded portion 84 b that extendssubstantially the remaining length of the shaft 83 from the unthreadedportion 88 to the proximal end 82 of the shaft 83. The priming threadedportion 84 a and the dosing threaded portion 84 b may be configured toengage a spiral 100. The priming threaded portion 84 a and the dosingthreaded portion 84 b may have the same pitch. Alternatively, the pitchof the priming threaded portion 84 a may be a multiple of, for example,double, the pitch of the dosing threaded portion 84 b. The primingthreaded portion 84 a may include only one turn of threads, preferably athree-quarter turn or a half turn. The axial length of the unthreadedportion 88 may be sized to displace a predetermined volume within thestorage section 12. The pitch of the dosing threaded portion 84 b may besized to dispense a predetermined dose, or other predetermined amount,of the formulation with each actuation of the multistage actuatorsection 13. The shaft 83 may include a keyed shape configured tointerface with a gear 120. For example, the shaft 83 may include atleast one flat surface 89, and preferably two diametrically opposed flatsurfaces 89, extending the length of the shaft 83. As a result of thekeyed shape of the shaft 83, the threads 84 of the priming threadedportion 84 a and the dosing threaded portion 84 b may be discontinuousaround a perimeter of the shaft. That is, the at least one flat surface89 may be substantially free of threads.

The piston seat 80 may be made of polyoxymethylene, and other suitablematerials. Preferably, the piston seat 80 is made of polyoxymethylene.In addition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the piston seat80 may be manufactured by injection molding, or other suitableprocesses. Preferably, the piston seat 80 is manufactured by injectionmolding.

FIGS. 9A to 9E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cup 90 in amultistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ according to thepresent invention.

The cup 90 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′may include a distal end 91 and a proximal end 92. The distal end 91 ofthe cup 90 may be configured to support and advance a formulation storedin the storage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′. The proximal end 92of the cup 90 may include an internal groove 93 configured to interfacewith the piston seat 80. For example, the internal groove 93 of the cup90 may interface with the external rib 86 of the piston seat 80, therebysecuring the cup 90 to the distal end 81 of the piston seat 80. Further,the cup 90 may include an annular groove 94 configured to receive asealing element of the multistage actuator section 13. For example, theannular groove 94 may receive a sealing element 40 that is configuredand sized to seal the interface between the cup 90 of the multistageactuator section 13 and the proximal end 22 of the centerband 20, 20′.Further, in an alternative embodiment, the cup 90 and the piston seat 80may be manufactured as a single integral part, thereby potentiallyresulting in cost and time savings due to the elimination of both a partand an assembly step.

The cup 90 may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and othersuitable materials. Preferably, the cup 90 is made of polypropylene. Inaddition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the cup 90 maybe manufactured by injection molding, or other suitable processes.Preferably, the cup 90 is manufactured by injection molding.

FIGS. 10A to 10E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a spiral 100 in amultistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ according to thepresent invention.

The spiral 100 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10,10′ may include a distal end 101 and a proximal end 102. The spiral 100may include a central passage 103 over its entire length, through whichthe shaft 83 of the piston seat 80 may extend. A portion of the centralpassage 103 may also include internal threads 104 configured to engagethe priming threaded portion 84 a and the dosing threaded portion 84 bof the shaft 83 of the piston seat 80. The distal end 101 of the spiral100 may include an annular channel 105 configured to receive a springelement. For example, the annular channel 105 of the spiral 100 mayreceive a proximal end of a priming spring 110. Further, the proximalend 102 of the spiral 100 may include an annular channel 106 alsoconfigured to received a spring element. For example, the annularchannel 106 of the spiral 100 may receive a distal end of a click spring130. In addition, the proximal end 102 of the spiral 100 may include atleast one snap element 107, preferably two diametrically opposed snapelements 107, configured to engage a spiral sleeve 140, thereby securingthe spiral 100 to the spiral sleeve 140.

The spiral 100 may be made of polyoxymethylene, and other suitablematerials. Preferably, the spiral 100 is made of polyoxymethylene. Inaddition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the spiral 100may be manufactured by injection molding, or other suitable processes.Preferably, the spiral 100 is manufactured by injection molding.

FIGS. 11A to 11C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a priming spring110 in a multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ accordingto the present invention.

The priming spring 110 in the multistage actuator section 13 of thedevice 10, 10′ may include a distal end 111 and a proximal end 112. Thepriming spring 110 may be situated over a length of the shaft 83 of thepiston seat 80. For example, the priming spring 110 may be situatedsubstantially over the unthreaded portion 88 of the shaft 83. The distalend 111 of the priming spring 110 may abut against a proximal surface ofthe piston seat flange 87 of the piston seat 80, and the proximal end112 of the priming spring 110 may be received in the annular channel 105of the spiral 100. The priming spring 110 may be configured to applyforce between the piston seat 80 and the spiral 100, such that thepiston seat 80 is pushed in a distal direction and the spiral 100 ispushed in a proximal direction. The spring rate of the priming spring110 may be configured to expand over a length of the unthreaded portion88 of the shaft 83, thereby displacing a predetermined volume within thestorage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′ when the piston seat 80 isrotated by the click mechanism such that the internal threads 104 of thespiral 100 disengage the priming threaded portion 84 a and the primingspring 110 advances the piston seat 80 over the length of the unthreadedportion 88 of the shaft 83.

The priming spring 110 may be made of steel, and other suitablematerials. Preferably, the priming spring 110 is made of steel. Inaddition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the primingspring 110 may be manufactured by coiling, or other suitable processes.Preferably, the priming spring 110 is manufactured by coiling.

FIGS. 12A to 12E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a gear 120 in amultistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ according to thepresent invention.

The gear 120 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′may include a distal end 121 and a proximal end 122. The gear 120 mayinclude a central passage 123 over its entire length, through which theshaft 83 of the piston seat 80 may at least partially extend. A portionof the central passage 123 may also include a keyed shape configured tointerface with the shaft 83 of the piston seat 80. For example, thecentral passage 123 of the gear 120 may include at least one flatsurface 124, preferably two diametrically opposed flat surfaces 124,configured to engage with the shaft 83. For example, the at least oneflat surface 124 of the gear 120 may engage the at least one flatsurface 89 of the shaft 83 of the piston seat 80. In addition, the gear120 may include a flange 125 configured to engage with a spring element.For example, the flange 125 of the gear 120 may engage a proximal end ofa click spring 130. The gear 120 may also include angled teeth 126facing the proximal end 122 of the gear 120, which angled teeth 126 maybe configured to engage with a spiral sleeve 140 and a push button 150.

The gear 120 may be made of polyoxymethylene, and other suitablematerials. Preferably, the gear 120 is made of polyoxymethylene. Inaddition, the materials may be chosen based on the particularapplication and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as theparticular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the gear 120may be manufactured by injection molding, or other suitable processes.Preferably, the gear 120 is manufactured by injection molding.

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a click spring130 in a multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ accordingto the present invention.

The click spring 130 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device10, 10′ may include a distal end 131 and a proximal end 132. The clickspring 130 may be situated over a length of the shaft 83 of the pistonseat 80, and over a distal end 121 of the gear 120. The distal end 131of the click spring 130 may be received in the annular channel 106 ofthe spiral 100, and the proximal end 132 of the click spring 130 mayabut against a distal surface of the flange 125 of the gear 120. Theclick spring 130 may be configured to apply force between the spiral 100and the gear 120, such that the spiral 100 is pushed in a distaldirection and the gear 120 is pushed in a proximal direction. The springrate of the click spring 130 may be configured to provide for positivefeedback during operation of the multistage actuator section 13.

The click spring 130 may be made of steel, and other suitable materials.Preferably, the click spring 130 is made of steel. In addition, thematerials may be chosen based on the particular application andrequirements of the device 10, 10′, as well as the particularformulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the click spring 130 maybe manufactured by coiling, or other suitable processes. Preferably, theclick spring 130 is manufactured by coiling.

FIGS. 14A to 14E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a spiral sleeve140 in a multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ accordingto the present invention.

The spiral sleeve 140 in the multistage actuator section 13 of thedevice 10, 10′ may include a distal end 141 and a proximal end 142. Thespiral sleeve 140 may include a central cavity 143 over its entirelength, inside of which the shaft 83 of the piston seat 80, the spiral100, the gear 120, the click spring 130, and a push button 150 may eachbe at least partially situated. The proximal end 142 of the spiralsleeve 140 may include external ribs 144 configured to engage with thecenterband 20, 20′. For example, the external ribs 144 of the spiralsleeve 140 may engage the internal grooves 25 of the centerband 20, 20′.Alternatively, the spiral sleeve 140 may include threads instead ofexternal ribs 144 for attachment to the proximal end 22 of thecenterband 20, 20′. The distal end 141 of the spiral sleeve 140 mayinclude at least one snap groove 145, preferably two diametricallyopposed snap grooves 145, configured to receive the at least one snapelement 107 of the spiral 100, thereby securing the spiral 100 to thespiral sleeve 140. Further, the spiral sleeve 140 may also includeangled teeth 146 facing the distal end 141 of the spiral sleeve 140,which angled teeth 146 may be configured to engage with the angled teeth126 of the gear 120. Moreover, the spiral sleeve 140 may also include atleast one locking groove 147, preferably two diametrically opposedlocking grooves 147, configured to receive at least one locking elementof the push button 150.

The spiral sleeve 140 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,styrene acrylonitrile, polyoxymethylene, and other suitable materials.Preferably, the spiral sleeve 140 is made of acrylonitrile butadienestyrene. In addition, the materials may be chosen based on theparticular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as wellas the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, thespiral sleeve 140 may be manufactured by injection molding, or othersuitable processes. Preferably, the spiral sleeve 140 is manufactured byinjection molding.

FIGS. 15A to 15E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a push button 150in a multistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′ according tothe present invention.

The push button 150 in the multistage actuator section 13 of the device10, 10′ may include a distal end 151 and a proximal end 152. The pushbutton 150 may include a central cavity 153, inside of which the shaft83 of the piston seat 80 and the gear 120 may be at least partiallysituated. The distal end 151 of the push button 150 may include angledteeth 154 facing the distal end 151 of the push button 150, which angledteeth 154 may be configured to engage with the angled teeth 126 of thegear 120. Further, the push button 150 may also include at least onelocking element 155, preferably two diametrically opposed lockingelements 155, configured to engage at least one locking groove 147 ofthe spiral sleeve 140. Moreover, the proximal end 152 of the push button150 may be configured to facilitate comfortable operation of themultistage actuator section 13 of the device 10, 10′, and may includefeatures on its external surface to facilitate grasping, pulling,pushing, twisting, or otherwise manipulating the cap 70, 70′, such as,for example, ribs, grooves, indentations, gripping pads or surfaces,rubberized portions, and other similar features.

The push button 150 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,styrene acrylonitrile, polyoxymethylene, and other suitable materials.Preferably, the push button 150 is made of acrylonitrile butadienestyrene. In addition, the materials may be chosen based on theparticular application and requirements of the device 10, 10′, as wellas the particular formulation that is to be dispensed. Further, the pushbutton 150 may be manufactured by injection molding, or other suitableprocesses. Preferably, the push button 150 is manufactured by injectionmolding.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of aclick pen applicator device 10, 10′ according to the present invention.

In the foregoing description, it is understood that the particulardescriptions of grooves of one component and ribs/elements of anothercomponent may be switched, such that ribs/elements may be provided inplace of grooves, and vice versa. Further, it is understood that otherconnection mechanisms besides ribs and grooves, snap elements andgrooves, locking elements and grooves, or threads, may be used to effectthe interengagement of the various components of the device 10, 10′,such as, for example, other mechanical engagement features,press-fitting, interference fitting, adhesive, and others.

The assembled click pen applicator device 10, 10′ may be substantiallyairtight to prevent evaporation and/or weight loss of the formulationstored in the storage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′. In thisregard, the sealing element 40 situated in the annular groove 94 of thecup 90, the sealing element 40 situated in the annular groove 36 of thepassing seat 30, 30′, 30″, and the pintel 74 of the cap 70, 70′ may allcontribute to the airtight sealing of the formulation in the storagechamber 26. In addition, the two sealing elements 40 may be the same ordifferent sizes depending on the parts and interface to be sealed.Further, the device 10, 10′ may also include tape around the outside ofthe cap 70, 70′ to cover and/or seal the interface between the cap 70,70′ and the centerband 20, 20′. Moreover, the formulation stored in thestorage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′ may also be provided in abag, pouch, or similar container to further improve the airtight sealingof the formulation within the device 10, 10′.

The device 10, 10′ may be hand assembled, which assembly may befacilitated by tools, jigs, and other suitable assembly aids.Alternatively, all or portions of the device 10, 10′ may be assembled byan automated system.

A method of using the click pen applicator device 10, 10′ according tothe present invention may include the steps of priming the formulationat a priming rate, and dosing the formulation at a dosing rate. Theclick pen applicator device 10, 10′ having a multistage actuator section13 according to the present invention may allow for rapid priming usinga click dosage mechanism.

In an initial, e.g., purchased, state of the device 10, 10′, allcomponents of the device 10, 10′ are assembled. In the storage section12, the storage chamber 26 of the centerband 20, 20′ may besubstantially filled with a formulation, e.g., a salicylic acid compoundsuch as a wart remover formulation. In the applicator section 11, someof the formulation may contact the proximal end 52 of the orificereducer 50, 50′, and further, some of the formulation may be presentwithin the central passage 53 of the orifice reducer 50, 50′. However,in order to prevent overflow and/or spillage during initial assembly ofthe device 10, 10′ having the formulation in the storage chamber 26, anair gap may be present between the distal fill level of the formulationand the proximal end 52 of the orifice reducer 50, 50′ in the initial,purchased state. In the multistage actuator section 13, the piston seat80 and cup 90 may be in their most proximal position in the initial,purchased state of the device 10, 10′. That is, the priming threadedportion 84 a may be engaged with the internal threads 104 of the spiral100, thereby positioning the cup 90 in its most proximal position andalso compressing the priming spring 110 between the piston seat 80 andthe spiral 100.

Further, in the initial, purchased state of the device 10, 10′, the pushbutton 150 may be in its locked position, in which the push button 150is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the device 10, 10′ such that theat least one locking element 155 of the push button 150 may be receivedin the at least one locking groove 147 of the spiral sleeve 140. Beforeusing the device 10, 10′, if the push button 150 is in the lockedposition, the push button 150 may be rotated about the longitudinal axisof the device 10, 10′ such that the at least one locking element 155 ofthe push button 150 is no longer received in the at least one lockinggroove 147 of the spiral sleeve 140.

The priming step prior to dosing of the formulation may allow theformulation to fill any air gaps and/or empty volume of the storagesection 12 and/or the applicator section 11. For example, during thepriming step, the formulation may fill in any air gap between the distalfill level in the storage chamber 26 and the proximal end 52 of theorifice reducer 50, 50′. In addition, the formulation may fill the emptyvolumes of the central passage 53 of the orifice reducer 50, 50′ andsubstantially all of the central passage 33 of the passing seat 30, 30′,30″. Further, the formulation may also partially fill the empty volumeof the orifice 65 of the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″. Thus, thepriming step allows the formulation to be primed and ready for use by auser during the dosing step.

The priming step may be performed by the multistage actuator section 13at a priming rate. The device 10, 10′ may be primed from its initial,purchased state by pressing the push button 150 of the multistageactuator section 13, i.e., the click pen dosage mechanism. Each press ofthe push button 150 may move the piston seat 80 and the cup 90 in adistal direction at the rate of a dosing click, thereby advancing theformulation and filling some of the air gaps and/or empty volume in thestorage section 12 and/or the applicator section 11 by a dosing amount.After a first actuation of the push button 150, the priming threadedportion 84 a of the piston seat 80 may disengage from the internalthreads 104 of the spiral 100. Due to the force of the priming spring110 pushing the piston seat 80 in a distal direction away from thespiral 100, the piston seat 80 and the cup 90 may move in a distaldirection after disengagement of the priming threaded portion 84 a andthe internal threads 104. In addition, after such disengagement of thepriming threaded portion 84 a, because the piston seat 80 includes anunthreaded portion 88 to which the internal threads 104 of the spiral100 do not engage, the force of the priming spring 110 may advance thepiston seat 80 and the cup 90 a distance substantially equivalent to thelength of the unthreaded portion 88 of the piston seat 80, therebyeffecting rapid priming of the formulation using the same click pendosing mechanism. Thus, the disengagement of the priming threadedportion 84 a and the rapid advancement of the piston seat 80 and the cup90 under force of the priming spring 110 over the unthreaded length 88of the piston seat 80 facilitates rapid filling of the air gaps and/orempty volume in the storage section 12 and/or the applicator section 11.

Accordingly, the priming step at the priming rate according to thepresent invention allows the device 10, 10′ to be primed and ready foruse by a user very quickly and efficiently. The first priming actuationmay take up an empty volume of the device 10, 10′ that would havenormally required many, e.g., forty to seventy or more, individualactuations using a conventional actuating mechanism. However, thepriming step according to the present invention is substantiallytransparent to the user because the user simply actuates the multistageactuating section 13 in a known manner, i.e., by pressing the pushbutton 150. No additional or different steps or actuations are requiredby the user to effect rapid priming. The rapid priming also eliminatesthe possibility that a user may think a dispensing device is broken,non-functional, empty, dried up, or otherwise unusable due to the highnumber of required priming actuations before dosing of the formulationactually begins.

Although the above description refers to a first actuation of thepriming step that leads to disengagement of the priming threaded portion84 a and the internal threads 104, the first actuation may include morethan one actuation of the push button 150 before disengagement dependingupon the number of threads in the priming threaded portion 84 a and therate of rotation of the click mechanism. Preferably, fewer than ten, andmore preferably, only one or two, actuations of the push button 150 maybe required to effect disengagement of the priming threaded portion 84 aand the internal threads 104. The number of actuations required toeffect such disengagement may depend on the length of the primingthreaded portion 84 a, for example, one turn of threads, preferably athree-quarter turn or a half turn.

Further, the priming rate may depend on the dimension of the unthreadedlength 88 of the piston seat 80, the spring rate of the priming spring110, the friction force of the sealing element 40, and/or the viscosityor other characteristics of the formulation. For example, the unthreadedlength 88 of the piston seat 80 may be sized such that the air gapsand/or empty volume of the storage section 12 and/or the applicatorsection 11 may be substantially filled when the piston seat 80 and thecup 90 advance in a distal direction over the unthreaded length 88 ofthe piston seat 80. In addition, the spring rate of the priming spring110 may be configured to provide sufficient force to advance the pistonseat 80 and the cup 90, taking into consideration the friction force ofthe sealing element 40 engaged between the cup 90 and the centerband 20,20′, and the viscosity and other characteristics of the formulation.

After disengagement of the priming threaded portion 84 a and theinternal threads 104, and after advancement of the piston seat 80 andthe cup 90 over an unthreaded length 88 of the piston seat 80, thedosing threaded portion 84 b of the piston seat 80 may then engage theinternal threads 104 of the spiral 100 upon further actuations of thepush button 150. In order to fully effect priming of the device 10, 10′before the formulation is ready to be dispensed, the priming step mayrequire one or more actuations of the push button 150 after engagementof the dosing threaded portion 84 b with the internal threads 104,although it may be preferable that the device 10, 10′ is ready todispense the formulation without any such additional actuations.

The dosing step may be performed by the multistage actuator section 13at a dosing rate. The formulation may be dosed with each actuation ofthe push button 150 after the dosing threaded portion 84 b of the pistonseat 80 has engaged the internal threads 104 of the spiral 100. Eachpress of the push button 150 may move the piston seat 80 and the cup 90in a distal direction, thereby advancing and dispensing a predetermineddose of the formulation from the storage chamber 26 of the centerband20, 20′ through the central passage 53 of the orifice reducer 50, 50′,through the central passage 33 of the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″, and outof the orifice 65 of the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″.

The dosing rate may depend on the pitch of the dosing threaded portion84 b of the piston seat 80 and the corresponding pitch of the internalthreads 104 of the spiral 100. For example, the pitch of the dosingthreaded portion 84 b and the internal threads 104 may be configuredsuch that a single actuation of the push button 150 dispenses apredetermined dose of the formulation from the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″,60″″.

Accordingly, the device 10, 10′ according to the present inventionallows for both rapid priming of the formulation for quick and reliableuse after purchase, and also predetermined dosing of the formulationthereafter, while utilizing a click dosage mechanism with a multistageactuator section 13. Thus, the device 10, 10′ drastically improves thepriming rate of the device 10, 10′ while simultaneously providingprecise control of the dosing rate, but does so without complicating thesteps for using the device 10, 10′.

When a user wishes to store the device 10, 10′ after use, the device 10,10′ may be stored in an airtight manner to prevent evaporation and/orweight loss of the formulation, and may also be locked to preventinadvertent or accidental dispensing of the formulation. In this regard,a cap 70, 70′ may be placed over the passing seat 30, 30′, 30″ and nose60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ and engaged with the distal end 21 of thecenterband 20, 20′. For airtight storage, the cap 70, 70′ may include apintel 74 that may be configured to fit snugly within and at leastpartially extend into the orifice 65 of the nose 60, 60′, 60″, 60′″,60″″, and may at least partially extend into the central passage 33 ofthe passing seat 30, 30′, 30″. The cap 70, 70′ may also protect the nose60, 60′, 60″, 60′″, 60″″ and the brushes 66 from damage. For locking ofthe device 10, 10′, the push button 150 may be rotated about alongitudinal axis of the device 10, 10′ such that the at least onelocking element 155 of the push button 150 may be received in the atleast one locking groove 147 of the spiral sleeve 140. Accordingly, thedevice 10, 10′ according to the present invention may be safely andsecurely stored with minimal risk of evaporation, weight loss, andaccidental operation.

The foregoing description discloses only non-limiting embodiments of thepresent invention. Modification of the above-disclosed exemplary clickpen applicator device, and a method of using the same, which fall withinthe scope of the invention, will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with the above non-limiting embodiments, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

1. A device for dispensing a formulation comprising: a centerband havinga proximal end and a distal end and defining a storage section havingthe formulation disposed within; an applicator section situated at thedistal end of the centerband; and a multistage actuator section situatedat the proximal end of the centerband for rapid priming with a clickdispensing mechanism with a piston seat having two sets of externalthreads on a shaft with an unthreaded length therebetween.
 2. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the multistage actuator section comprises:a spiral having internal threads configured to engage with the externalthreads of the piston seat; and a priming spring operatively engagedbetween the piston seat and the spiral.
 3. The device according to claim2, wherein the two sets of external threads of the piston seat have asame pitch.
 4. The device according to claim 2, wherein a first set ofthe two sets of external threads includes a length shorter than that ofa second set of the two sets of external threads.
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein a pitch of a second set of the two sets ofexternal threads is configured to dispense a discrete dose with eachdispensing actuation.
 6. The device according to claim 2, wherein thepriming spring is configured to expand over the unthreaded length of thepiston seat when the internal threads of the spiral do not engage theexternal threads of the piston seat.
 7. The device according to claim 2,wherein the multistage actuator section further comprises: a cupattached to a distal end of the piston seat; a seal between the cup andthe proximal end of the centerband; a gear operatively engaged with theshaft of the piston seat; a click spring operatively disposed betweenthe gear and the spiral; and a spiral sleeve and a push buttonoperatively engaged with the gear, the push button having a lockingelement.
 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the applicatorsection comprises: a passing seat attached to the distal end of thecenterband; a seal between the passing seat and the distal end of thecenterband; an orifice reducer situated inside the passing seat; a noseattached to a distal end of the passing seat; and a cap attached to thedistal end of the centerband.
 9. The device according to claim 8,wherein the cap includes a pintel configured to seal at least one of thenose and the passing seat of the applicator section.
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein the seal between the cup and the proximalend of the centerband is an o-ring, and the seal between the passingseat and the distal end of the centerband is an o-ring.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises salicylic acid.12. A method of priming and dosing a formulation using a click pendispensing device, the method comprising: priming the formulation at apriming rate using a click actuator with a piston seat having two setsof external threads on a shaft with an unthreaded length therebetween;and dosing the formulation at a dosing rate different from the primingrate using the click actuator.
 13. The method according to claim 12,wherein the click actuator is actuated using one hand.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the click actuator includes a lockingelement for preventing the priming and the dosing.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the formulation comprises salicylic acid.16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the priming step includesat least one fine priming rate and a gross priming rate.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the dosing step dispenses a predetermineddose of the formulation, and the priming step dispenses a predeterminedpriming dose of the formulation.
 18. A method of dispensing aformulation, using a device comprising a centerband having a proximalend and a distal end and defining a storage section having theformulation disposed within, an applicator section situated at thedistal end of the centerband, and a multistage actuator section situatedat the proximal end of the centerband, the method comprising: primingthe device by priming actuations of the multistage actuator section witha piston seat having two sets of external threads on a shaft with anunthreaded length therebetween, the priming step comprising a grosspriming actuation displacing a volume greater than that of apredetermined dose; dispensing the predetermined dose of theformulation, via the applicator section, by subsequent dispensingactuations of the multistage actuator section; and applying thepredetermined dose via the applicator section.
 19. The method accordingto claim 18, wherein the priming step comprises at least one finepriming actuation displacing a volume less than that of the grosspriming actuation.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein thepriming step comprises at least one fine priming actuation displacing avolume equal to that of the predetermined dose.